Firstly Thanks to Netgalley for my review copy.

This is the second book in this series and this time we Heidi is teaching another six students with different issues. We also see at the start of the book Kendra living with the Troyer's awaiting the birth of the child she intends to give them. 

The classes start with the six new students Bill a hunter, Nicole who is doing most of the work now her mother has left, Lance the Postal courier, Todd the food critic, Lisa a cater and Allie who's husband paid for the the cooking classes. Each has issues and and Heidi hopes to be able to help them like she did the first group of students. It is interesting to see the interaction between the different students. 

One think I loved was seeing the characters from the first book either mentioned in what has come of them or in different ways. We also see Heidi's struggles with desperately wanting to become a mother. 

Yet another really good read and I can't wait for the next book in this series.

Amish Cooking Class: The Blessing is a welcome return to Walnut Creek.  Ms. Brunstetter avoids the pitfalls of writing the second book in a series; this one is sufficiently different from the first to remain interesting though it follows the same formula.  The reader finds themselves pulling for all of the characters because we can all relate to their concerns in one way or another.  (We want our significant others to love us, we want to fulfill our need to nurture, we sometimes struggle with forgiving those who have abandoned us...)

There are many great writers in the Amish genre, and Ms. Brunstetter is one of those near the top.  If you've never read in the genre, consider giving this or another of her books a try.

The Blessing by Wanda Brunstetter is the second Amish Cooking Class novel.  Heidi Troyer is married to Lyle, an auctioneer, and they are anxiously awaiting the arrival of Kendra’s baby.  Kendra is living with the couple (after her father threw her out when he discovered she was pregnant), and she has agreed to let Heidi and Lyle adopt her baby.  When things do not go as planned, Lyle suggests Heidi hold another cooking class (keep her busy).  Six people join Heidi in her home and each of them have a different reason. Lance is a postal carrier who has lost his wife, Nicole is a high school student who has struggling since her mother left, Todd is a food critic who is going to write an article about the class,  Allie is a housewife with two kids who worries about her policeman husband and their marriage, Lisa is a local caterer who is hoping to learn new dishes for her business, and Bill who wishes to learn new dishes to impress his camping buddies. Heidi will teach them Amish dishes and share some of God’s wisdom with them through Bible verses.  Heidi knows this group of people were brought together for a reason, and she looks forward to the experience.  It will help Heidi deal with her own heartbreak.  See what God has planned for each of these individuals and what the future hold for the Troyer’s in The Blessing.

The Blessing is well-written and engaging.  I was immediately drawn into the story and I did not want it to end. I was captivated by this novel (which rarely happens).  The Blessing contains characters that could be my own neighbor, relative, or mail carrier.  Each of them have problems or situations that individuals experience every day.  I thought the characters were well-developed and thought out by the author.  I like seeing how each of the characters change over the course of the cooking classes.  I was glad that the author updated readers on the individuals from The Seekers (they are nicely woven into the story).   My rating for The Blessing is 5 out of 5 stars.  I do recommend reading The Seekers before starting The Blessing (you will not regret reading either book).  I found The Seekers to be heartwarming and uplifting.  It is the type of novel that fills me with hope (which is desperately needed in our mixed-up society).  I really appreciated the Bible verses the author included in the book.  The enhanced the story and were meaningful.   There are recipes and discussion questions at the end of the book.  If you like to read Amish or Christian novels, I recommend reading The Blessing.  I cannot wait to read the next book in the Amish Cooking Class series.

Another winner by Ms Brunstetter...I have read many novels penned by her....and I am amazed  at her wealth of imagination...her creativity...and her gift of storytelling.  I always enjoy her work.  And I always enjoy sharing her latest publication w/ all of my reading friends.

Heidi and Lyle Troyer, unable to conceive a much-wanted child, are given an opportunity to adopt a baby. Like all things in life, circumstances begin to pile up, and Heidi needs an outlet, so once again she opens her home to six strangers wanting to learn more about Amish food.

Each person in the story is as different from one another as possible. The cooking class consists of three men and three women. The men include a food critic hiding his true identity, an avid hunter and a school janitor. The women include a mother of two small children, a woman wanting ideas for her catering business and a teenager stressed out from having to keep her family together after her mom walks out on them.

I enjoyed finding out about Heidi’s previous students, whom we met in book one, The Seekers (The Amish Cooking Class Series). I felt like I was catching up with old friends.

Wanda Brunstetter’s ability to portray her characters makes you feel as if they are your next-door neighbors. However, one aspect of her writing that is a little off-putting is the way she jumps from one character to another in each chapter. Sometimes focusing on several characters helps show readers how the different individuals interact, but sometimes it is hard to determine which individual the author is referencing.

The Blessing is the second book in the series; however, it works well as a standalone.

There are two bonuses in the back of the novel. First, Miss Brunstetter includes the Amish recipes Heidi taught her students. Second, she lists discussion questions.

I received this book from NetGalley and Barbour Publishing. However, I was under no obligation to post a review.

I liked this book, although not as much as the first, I felt there was too much back story on Kendra, a little bit was fine but I thought it was overdone, I also thought it was a bit cruel of her to keep bringing the baby to the Troyers' house after she changed her mind, again the recipes at the end was good, there were a lot of out of order words and sentences in the book that made it a bit hard to read a couple of pages in the middle of sentences the authour's name was inserted ?? , all in all an okay book.

Wanda Brunstetter always has delightful stories. Her characters are real and I feel as though I'm right there with them. I didn't want the story to end

The Blessing is second in the series Amish Cooking Class. I have enjoyed this series. Many lives are involved and changes happen in each individuals lives. More let downs in Heidi's life so her husband suggest she does another cooking class to occupy her mind and time. This one has people of all kinds in it from a teenager trying to help a divorced father. A food critic and a caterer. Then we have the hunter wanting to find new things to feed his buddies. A wife was given an unwanted gift of this class. Each has something going on their lives how can the class help them and the scriptures that seem perfect for them on the back of the recipe? Can Heidi's broken heart be mended? Wanda always writes great inspirational books. I fully enjoy the recipes given in the book also. (less)

What better way for a woman to share her love of cooking than by teaching others.  Heidi Troyer was a wonderful cook who decided to invite people into her home for cooking lessons. Her Aunt Emma was a master quilter and to help conquer her loneliness as a widow she started teaching others to quilt.  Heidi knew that Emma got much more in return from her students than just seeing their completed projects.  So, Heidi, in turn, prayed that by giving simple cooking lessons she could bless others while adding purpose to her own life.  Her first classes were successful so she planned to teach another series of lessons.

She and her husband Lyle have been married nearly nine years yet remain childless.  After years of longing for a child, they are looking forward to adopting a baby.  As things happen in life, the best laid plans don’t always come to fruition. Disappointed and hurt, Heidi buoyed herself with her deep faith and strength of character to overcome the sadness after learning the adoption fell through.  With Lyle’s encouragement, she went ahead with her plans teach another series of classes.  The first day of class brought an unexpected mix of eager students.  From the lonely wife of a policeman to a teen struggling to fill the shoes of the mother who walked out on the family, Heidi welcomes them all to her home.  Even her mailman smelled the delightful aromas and wanted to join in. Women and a few men who wanted to prepare tasty meals unwittingly found so much more in the Troyer's kitchen.  
Each week as Heidi wrote out the weekly recipe for the class she tucked a verse of scripture on the back of t.  Devout in her faith, she prayed that someone among the group would read and need that verse before the next class.  Oftentimes, the students would gather and share how uncannily a verse resonated and hit home.  

In her simple yet faithful way, Heidi made an impact on those who took her class.  I read the first book in the series, Amish Cooking Class - where it all began when one woman decided to step out in a leap of faith to make a difference.  I enjoyed the quiet way she listened, taught and prayed for her students.  So much more was going on than mixing, baking and preparing food.  A ragtag group of unlikely people came together as strangers and came away as friends.  Each one with their own story.

I invite you to see your yourself by picking up this wonderful book.  I was pleased to read the Amish Cooking Class - The Blessing,  by Wanda Brunstetter for review for an unbiased review.

Heidi is back as a cooking teacher, giving much more than just cooking lessons.  Six students from all walks of life take her class and learn more about themselves than they might about actually cooking.  Heidi and her husband are barren and the cooking class allows her an outlet for her talents as she waits on God for direction.  Her faith is demonstrated to the class members as she shares wisdom and Scripture each session.
Characters from book 1 are mentioned in the story.  Other than Heidi’s storyline, it is possible for a new reader to start the series with this book.

I love Amish stories and I admire Heidi for holding her own. I can't imagine wanting something so bad and it's just withing reach. Heidi however:; is stronger than she looks and is a wonderful teacher in many ways and I believe if memory serves me correctly a matchmaker in the making. 
There are many new characters in this book. We meet Lisa, Bill the janitor, and a few others. All have come to learn how to cook. 
I think the one I most feel sorry for is Nicole who has to do everything around the house. There is no way not no how would I take on all that responsibility when there were two or three capable hands or bodies whatever the case may be. I'd be like hey I need a little help around here I can't do all this by myself. I"m a sister not a mother. 
There are a few things that I like about the story. There are a few dislikes I don't like for example when Kendra went back to live with her parents and changing her mind. Sometimes it's not always best and it usually ends up hurting the other party. 
I do believe that things work out some for the better but some not for the worst. 
I did have a little trouble connecting with the characters in this story but I have seen God's grace through the author who wrote this book..I do understand that these books are written from the heart of the authors who put these books out there for us reader and for that I do thank you!! 
Some ppl might not like this review but I totally understand! I wouldn't either!! 
I do wish that events that happen in books can happen in real life and sometimes I guess they do. 
I know I've been blessed 10 times fold and blessed especially by getting to read these wonderful books!! I always enjoy helping out my favorite authors!!!

This book is amazing.When I started reading this book I found it very hard to stop reading it. The Bible verses and the recipes are excellent. I found myself always wondering what was going to happen next.well done.

The Blessing by Wanda Brunstetter is The second book in The Amish Cooking Class series . Spending time reading this book is like visiting with old friends as we revisit some of the characters from her first book in this series and catch up with their lives. We also meet a new cast of characters that Heidi open her Ohio home to as she teaches her 6 new students in a cooking class. There are 3 men and 3 women from all walks of life. They get to know each other and form friendships and just maybe a romance will develop slowly for a few of them. Wanda really pours her heart into her books and makes the characters come alive for us and we get to know them. I felt a lot of emotions as I read this and was glad to see the characters lives taking a turn for the better through hard work,faith,forgiveness and perseverance. Very enjoyable book and I look forward to getting to know the characters in Wanda's book 3 in the series when it releases.
Pub Date 01 Aug 2017
Thank you to NetGalley and Barbour Publishing, Inc. for a review copy in exchange for my honest review.

Love Amish books, and love the main character Heidi (and her husband Lyle). Brunstetter does a good job writing dialogue and action for this married couple without children. I enjoyed Heidi’s cooking classes and her visits with friends. But the secondary characters…. oh my. The unrealistic, over the top, and inconsistent personalities drove me crazy. I struggled to get through their stilted dialogue. The only reason I finished is because I always need to know how a book ends! Plot and main characters get 4 stars from me, but the execution of secondary character development completely failed.

Wanda E. Brunstetter never disappoints in providing a heartwarming read. 

In book two of The Amish Cooking Class, she introduces 6 new members of Heidi's Saturday morning cooking classes. Heidi is able to teach her students some new Amish recipes as well as share God's word.

My favorite character is teenager Nicole. Since her mom left she has become the "mom" of the household and cooks all the meals. Her family is ready for some new dishes and her dad finds Heidi's class. Over six weeks Nicole will learn more than cooking from Heidi. Will forgiveness be one of her learning experiences?

My least favorite character is Todd. Why? Because he is so full of himself. At times I found myself yelling at him to get over himself. Will Heidi be able to teach him that the world does not revolve around him?

I loved that Wanda brought back Kendra throughout the entire book. I cannot wait to see if she continues her story in the next book. I  want to know what happens with the new love interest in Kendra's life. (Hint, Hint)

I cannot wait to try the recipes in the back of the book, especially Chicken in a Crumb Basket. It sounds yummy and I think my picky teenager might even like it.

Thank you to NetGalley and Barbour Publishing for an ARC of this book in exchange for my own and honest review.

www.kentuckybooklover.com

Lyle and Heidi open their home once again to a cooking class.  Will this class get as much out of the class as her last one?  Not only did they learn how to cook but they also learned life lessons through Heidi's scripture posts on the recipes.  However, with this class Heidi is working with a broken heart.  She and Lyles' dream has been dashed. While she is happy the young Mom's prayers have been answered, her heart breaks for her own loss.  Will her heart be healed as she tries to help others?  Will she and Lyle ever get their happily ever after.

I love how Heidi and Lyle open their home to others.  I look forward to another class soon.

I received a copy through Netgalley. My review was not required.

The Blessing is the second book in The Amish Cooking Class series by Wanda Brunstetter. I may have liked this book a bit better than the first installment, The Seekers.  Though I had such a soft spot in my heart for some of the characters from the first book, this one was better developed.

Don't get me wrong, both are fantastic and the writing is spot on in both books. But, I'm better acquainted with Heidi and Lyle this time around. Returning to their story felt like a visit with old friends.

I appreciate that Wanda revisits some of the characters from The Seekers. There is the inclusion of Kendra and her adorable baby girl. Loretta is settling into life in Heidi's community as she is taking the classes to become Amish. Additionally, she and Eli are now a couple and plan to marry in the future. Even Ron and Charlene's whereabouts are touched upon—though less so than the others.

The new group of students bring their own set of problems to Heidi's table. And the Lord uses Heidi to instill wisdom and trust in their hearts.

This is a heartwarming tale of love that will leave you feeling the cozy warmth of friendship.

A complimentary copy of this book was provided by Barbour Publishing, Netgalley, Wanda's Clippity Clop Club. I was not required to write a positive review, and have not been compensated for this. All opinions are my own.

This new treasure by Wanda Brunstetter is a real gem. Better than the last one in the series.

Heidi is up doing another cooking class after another heartbreak. And, like the first novel, we get to meet multiple new characters each facing a problem. Todd, a food critic who is a married to his work; Lisa, a single woman with a struggling catering business; Nicole, a teenager forced to grow up too fast to replace her mother in her family's life; Bill, a lonely janitor; Ally, a mother who suspects her husband is cheating on her; Lance, who has a brother who gets on his nerves constantly; and Kendra from the last book trying to live her life as a single mother. 

This book is really enlightening, portraying real life situations (and one particular that hits home with me). You will not be able to put this book down.

I recommend it for everyone.

Back with Heidi and Lyle as she gears up for a new cooking class, they revisit (sometimes ever so briefly by letter) with the previous students and we meet an entire new group of students.  Might as well meet them right?  Allie is the wife of a cop with two young children.  Honestly?  She annoyed me a bit.  Lisa, a caterer, is interesting and I'd like to know more about her.  Todd, the restaurant critic, is about as arrogant and self-important as you can imagine he is.  Bill, the head janitor confuses me a bit.  I can't get a good initial read on him.  Nicole, just a teenager with adult responsibilities on her plate, is everything a teenager is.  But she kinda annoys me too.  And a late addition to the class is Lance, the mail carrier, who leaves me a bit confused and I don't really feel the bond with him positive or negative.

I feel like this book may be a smidge better than the first one (The Seekers) but it's a toss up really.  Wanda develops the characters so well and despite the limited time each character truly gets she builds great backstories that merge well into the kitchen.  Kendra is back with a precious baby while Loretta has joined the Amish faith officially.  It was like settling in with old friends again while learning new people and getting glimpses of past people.  I loved seeing how Heidi takes her simple charm, her innocent confidence, and her open heart and opens up the students to herself and each other.  The ending left room for a third book and for that I am super excited to find out about.  Wanda just makes you feel good and this series is a warm hug each time you get to settle in and chat with Heidi and her students.  

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book by Wanda E. Brunstetter through Barbour Publishing and NetGalley.  I was not compensated for this review and all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.  I was not required to write a positive review.

Loved this!  But, then, I love Amish fiction and Wanda E Brunstetter.  Second book in a series about Heidi who is Amish and is giving cooking classes.  Heidi and her husband, Lyle, has received very disappointing news, but Heidi decided to give a second series of cooking classes.  She hopes to be able to a blessing to each person in her class and writes a scripture on the back of each recipe card she hands out at the end of class.  
A fantastic read!